Naresuan University

BackgroundThis study aimed to determine the optimal time point at which the projected dose most accurately corresponds to the accumulated dose in head and neck cancer patients treated with helical tomotherapy. Dose metric differences between the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements Report 83 (ICRU83) (D50%) and Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) (D95%) protocols were also evaluated for the planning target volume and critical organs, including the parotid glands, spinal cord, and brainstem.Materials and methodsThis methods-oriented study analyzed data from 61 head and neck cancer patients treated with helical tomotherapy. It compared projected and accumulated doses across the treatment course, assessing dose discrepancies at fractions 1, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30. A ±3% threshold was defined as the acceptable deviation for both target volumes and critical organs.ResultsAmong the 61 patients analyzed, 70.5% had T3–T4 tumors and 68.8% were planned using the ICRU83 protocol. No deviations exceeding ±3% were observed in planning target volume dose 70 Gy (PTV70) (D50%) under ICRU83 protocol, whereas 35.0% of RTOG protocol (D95%) cases showed dose underestimation during fractions 1, 5, and 10. Deviations exceeding ±3% occurred most frequently in the left parotid gland (up to 75.4% of cases), followed by the right parotid gland, spinal cord and brainstem, particularly during early fractions.ConclusionsProjected dose proved to be a reliable metric for evaluating dose consistency, with D50% under ICRU83 protocol stable from early treatment and D95% under RTOG protocol consistent after fraction 15. However, variations in projected doses for organs at risk emphasize the need for cautious interpretation and individualized adaptive planning.

Demographic structure plays a crucial role in shaping economic growth, particularly in regions undergoing rapid population changes. West Africa, characterized by a young population, high fertility rates, and urbanization, presents both opportunities and challenges for economic development. While demographic transitions can generate economic dividends, inefficient labour markets and inadequate investments in human capital may hinder growth. This study examines the impact of demographic factors on economic growth in West Africa using econometric analysis. This research employs a panel data regression model to analyze the relationship between economic growth (measured by the logarithm of GDP per capita in levels) and key demographic variables, including age dependency ratio, labour force participation rate, population growth, urbanization, life expectancy, and health expenditure. Secondary data from 16 West African countries between 2000 and 2022 were obtained from the World Development Indicators. The study applies the Random Effects model and Weighted Least Squares regression to address heteroskedasticity and improve estimate efficiency. Findings reveal that a high age dependency ratio and rapid population growth negatively impact economic growth, while urbanization and life expectancy contribute positively. Labour force participation showed a weak negative effect, suggesting labour market inefficiencies. Interestingly, increased health expenditure was negatively associated with growth, indicating potential inefficiencies in resource allocation. The study highlights the complex relationship between demographics and economic growth in West Africa. Policies focusing on reducing dependency ratios, improving labour productivity, and ensuring efficient health investments are essential to harness demographic advantages and foster sustainable development.

Background: Burn injuries remain a major therapeutic challenge, with conventional treatments often failing to achieve complete functional skin regeneration. Stem cell-based interventions, including mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and exosome derivatives, have demonstrated regenerative and immunomodulatory potential, yet their translation to clinical practice remains limited. Objectives: To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of stem cell-based therapies for burn wound healing across pre-clinical and clinical studies. Materials and Methods: Following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines, four databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane) were searched through April 2025. Eligible studies included randomized controlled trials and controlled pre-clinical studies comparing stem cell-based interventions with standard care or placebo. Risk of bias (RoB) was assessed using RoB 2 and the Systematic Review Centre for Laboratory Animal Experimentation tools, and evidence certainty was rated using GRADE. Results: Four studies met the inclusion criteria: One early-phase clinical trial and two pre-clinical randomized studies (MSC extract and exosome therapy). Pooled analysis of pre-clinical data showed a moderateto- large effect favoring stem cell interventions (standardized mean difference = 1.15; 95% confidence interval 0.54–1.76; I2 = 49.4%). Certainty of evidence was moderate for efficacy and low for safety. Conclusion: Stem cell-based therapies suggest potential benefit in enhancing burn wound healing, yet the evidence remains preliminary and largely pre-clinical. These interventions should be regarded as investigational, pending well-powered multicenter clinical trials with standardized protocols and long-term safety evaluation.

Abstract This study developed a 1D compartment model with 21 continuous stirred tank reactors to evaluate NH 3 co‐firing (0%–30%) with bituminous coal (BC) and Ninh Binh anthracite (NB) in a 500 MWe pulverized coal (PC) combustor, advancing low‐emission power generation for using Vietnam's coal resources. The model employs 341 reactions, including 117 nitrogen‐related, and accurately predicts combustion performance and emissions. Without NH 3 co‐firing, BC and NB show comparable combustion, with NB's higher fixed carbon (61.8 wt.% vs. 54.7 wt.%) driving faster heat release. At 10% NH 3 , NO x emissions remain stable (123.6–126.5 ppm vs. 122.3–125.5 ppm at 0%), the pathway favouring N 2 O conversion to N 2 . At 30% NH 3 , NO x increases significantly (639.8 ppm for BC, 565.7 ppm for NB) due to the NH 3 ➔ NH 2 ➔ HNO ➔ NO pathway, amplified by the BC's higher volatile matter (29.5 wt.% vs. 13.3 wt.%). CO 2 emissions decrease by 28.2% for BC and 28.0% for NB, leveraged by NH 3 's carbon‐free nature. However, increased NO x emissions at 30% NH 3 indicate trade‐offs which require further investigation. This model can be used for evaluating NH 3 co‐firing ratios in industrial‐scale combustors, balancing NO x control and CO 2 reduction while elucidating emission formation pathways.

This study investigated waste segregation awareness and behavior, developed awareness-promoting activities, and evaluated their effectiveness among lower secondary school students in Phitsanulok Province, Thailand. The research was conducted in three phases: Phase I involved baseline data collection using interviews and structured observations. Phase II focused on developing awareness-promoting activities, including training workshops, printed public relations materials, video-based learning, and game-based waste segregation. Phase III evaluated the effectiveness of interventions using a pre-test–post-test design. The research instruments included awareness and behavior questionnaires, behavior observation forms, and records of segregated solid waste quantities. The results showed significant increases in awareness and waste segregation behavior scores after the intervention across all activity types (all p < 0.001). The mean awareness scores increased from 10.27 to 12.74 (p < 0.01), and mean waste segregation behavior scores increased from 11.82 to 13.64 (p < 0.001). However, after adjustment for pre-intervention scores and school, no significant differences were observed among activity types. Higher awareness levels were positively associated with improved waste segregation behavior, as reflected by changes in waste quantity and composition. These findings indicate that awareness-promoting activities can effectively enhance source-based waste management practices and may be applied in similar municipal and educational contexts.

This study examines cross-cultural differences in the use of English-language Compliment Response (CR) strategies by Thai non-English majors and American native English speakers, aiming to deepen understanding of how cultural norms shape pragmatic behavior in English. Using an open-ended questionnaire eliciting responses to compliments on appearance, possessions, achievements, and abilities, the study integrates quantitative analysis of English CR categories with qualitative insights into participants’ emotional reactions. The results indicate that both groups most frequently employed Acceptance strategies, though Americans used them more consistently, whereas Thai participants displayed broader strategic variability, including Positive Elaboration and culturally motivated expressions of modesty. Significant linear trends emerged across compliment types, revealing systematic differences associated with cultural background in the use of English CRs. Qualitative findings further show that Thai students tended to interpret English compliments as encouragement and relational affirmation, while American participants often balanced appreciation with modesty, humor, or mild discomfort. These patterns highlight culturally embedded orientations toward face, affect, and interpersonal harmony in English communication. The findings contribute to research on intercultural pragmatics and suggest pedagogical implications for enhancing L2 learners’ socio-pragmatic competence in English, particularly within English courses for Thai university students.

BACKGROUNDRecurrent wheezing following acute lower respiratory tract infection (ALRTI) in early childhood is a common clinical problem and may be an early indicator of chronic respiratory diseases. Early identification of associated risk factors is essential for early intervention and prevention.AIMTo investigate the risk factors and timing of recurrent wheezing episodes following ALRTI in children.METHODSA retrospective cohort study was conducted among pediatric patients ≤ 5 years old admitted with ALRTI and wheezing at Naresuan University Hospital between July 1, 2020 and June 30, 2023. Participants were followed for 12 months. Data from electronic and paper records were analyzed using STATA 18.0. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent risk factors. Kaplan-Meier analysis and log-rank tests compared recurrence and non-recurrence groups through survival curves.RESULTSSignificant predictors of recurrent wheezing included age 12-24 months [odds ratio (OR): 2.38; 95%CI: 1.50-3.78, P < 0.001], prematurity (OR: 1.66; 95%CI: 1.07-2.58, P = 0.024), allergic rhinitis (OR: 1.50; 95%CI: 1.04-2.17, P = 0.031), urban residency (OR: 1.68; 95%CI: 1.19-2.38, P = 0.003), eosinophilia (absolute eosinophil count > 500 cells/μL) (OR: 3.29; 95%CI: 1.57-6.91, P = 0.002), and prior lower respiratory tract infection (OR: 1.82; 95%CI: 1.20-2.76, P = 0.005). The median time to recurrence was 100 days (interquartile range: 43-125), varying across clinical and environmental subgroups.CONCLUSIONChildren with certain demographic and clinical features have higher recurrent wheezing risk after ALRTI, highlighting the need for closer monitoring and early preventive care.